Leaving pets alone for long periods

There always comes a time when two-legged beings must leave their pet or pets behind to venture out into the world. Adventures can be travel, vacation, or a long hour shift at the wok, which means pets can’t go either. So how long is too long for a pet to be left alone? What can a person do to ensure that a pet does not suffer harmful effects?

When my husband and I took a long drive in our old but still moving motorhome, we took our two cats with us. But one of them did not adapt well to traveling; And we decided, after two close trips and one more than 2000 miles one way, that if we traveled more, she couldn’t go. Since GG couldn’t go, Funny Face needed to stay with her because the two of them don’t like being apart. The two cats can do quite well on their own at home with automatic water containers and feeders, a clean litter box, and no outside access. However, unexpected things can and do happen. Therefore, we always had someone who knew that cats would keep an eye on them at least twice a week or more.

What difference does it make to make arrangements for pets left for long periods of time? Let’s look at some of the problems that can arise if pets are alone and unsupervised.

Pets left alone for longer than normal can cause stress or behavior problems. Dogs and cats left indoors have been known to become destructive or eat houseplants, actions that are not common. Destructive behavior not only results in a disaster waiting for the owners to return, it can develop into a regular type of behavior. Eating houseplants often leads to poisoning. As a result, pets can also revert to less socially accepted behaviors. Injuries, heat stroke, or illness due to tick or snake bites are dangers that await pets that are left outside for a long time.

Even if there are automatic waterers and feeders in place, they could clog or malfunction, leaving the animal without food or water.

Therefore, no animal should be left without human supervision for more than an hour or two longer than the owner would normally leave. Someone needs to monitor the animal regularly, pay attention to it, ensure that food and water are sufficient, and allow the pet to feel as if it is not abandoned. If there is no one available who can be trusted and knows the pet, consider placing the dog, cat, or whatever in a boarding school that you have inspected and know is reputable.

Having a pet is a commitment that a person makes throughout the life of the animal. Therefore, more time and effort is needed when the owner must leave the pet for extended periods.